In the world of video games, audio still is often an unsung hero, subtly enriching our gaming experiences. Yet, it is a complex and intricate field that demands expertise, creativity, and innovation. Saki Kaskamanidis, the late Audio Director at United Front Games, provided compelling insights into the art of audio direction for interactive entertainment, drawing from his experience on the critically acclaimed game Sleeping Dogs.
The Evolution of a Career in Game Audio
Saki’s journey into game audio was as inspiring as it was unique. Starting as a composer for Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed series, his lack of technical knowledge didn’t hinder him—musical skills opened the door. Over 18 years, he grew to master sound design, implementation, post-production, dialogue direction, and even scriptwriting. This diverse background laid the foundation for his role as Audio Director at United Front Games.
The Birth of Sleeping Dogs
Originally codenamed Blue Lotus, Sleeping Dogs was a bold attempt to challenge the dominance of open-world giants like Grand Theft Auto. Set in contemporary Hong Kong, the game’s narrative focused on an undercover cop, delivering a darker, more serious tone compared to its competitors. Despite setbacks, including being dropped by its original publisher, Activision, the project found a second life under Square Enix and became a critical success.
Audio: The Heartbeat of Interactive Storytelling
Saki emphasised that sound was an integral part of storytelling. “Sound and story are one,” he explained, underscoring the importance of integrating audio into every phase of production. Unlike film, video game audio had to adapt dynamically to player interactions, making it a unique challenge.
The Three Pillars of Game Audio
Saki categorised game audio into three pillars: sound design, music, and dialogue. Each played a crucial role in crafting immersive experiences:
- Sound Design: From the visceral crunch of hand-to-hand combat to the roar of vehicle engines, sound design in Sleeping Dogs was meticulously planned. For instance, vehicle engine sounds were created using recordings of real cars, classified into 15 categories to streamline production.
- Music: The score for Sleeping Dogs blended traditional Chinese instruments with Western elements, reflecting the game’s cultural setting. The dynamic score adapted to gameplay scenarios, while diegetic music added realism, playing from radios, boomboxes, and more.
- Dialogue: Dialogue brought authenticity to Sleeping Dogs. Over 75,000 lines were recorded, with 45,000 making the final cut. To ensure cultural accuracy, ambient Cantonese dialogue was recorded on-site in Hong Kong, capturing the city’s vibrant soundscape.
Innovative Tools and Techniques
A key aspect of game audio was the use of middleware tools like Wwise and FMOD, which enabled dynamic soundscapes. For instance, the same explosion sound could vary in intensity and distance based on the player’s position. Such tools empowered designers to create immersive, context-sensitive audio experiences.
Challenges and Triumphs
Saki shared the challenges of creating convincing audio for vehicles, fighting, and gunplay. Early attempts at realistic fight sounds fell flat, leading to the creation of “hyped-up reality” effects inspired by films like The Bourne Ultimatum. Gun sounds required layered effects and innovative use of sound libraries to replicate the visceral punch of firearms.
The Future of Game Audio
Saki envisioned advancements in 3D audio, sound reflections, and occlusion. Technologies like binaural sound and improved computational power promised to elevate audio realism, enhancing player immersion. He believed these developments would bring unparalleled depth to gaming experiences, making them more lifelike than ever before.
Conclusion
Saki Kaskamanidis’ lecture illuminated the artistry and technical mastery behind game audio. From crafting dynamic soundscapes to recording authentic dialogue, his work on Sleeping Dogs exemplified how audio elevated storytelling and gameplay. For aspiring audio professionals, his journey was a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and continuous learning.